A murder investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed to death in Chelmsford city centre in what police believe was a targeted and drug-related incident.

Police were called out to Cromar Way just before 1am today (Friday, June 22).

On arrival, officers found a man in his 40s who was severely injured at the scene.

Police are continuing their investigation

Although the man was rushed to hospital, he sadly died at 2am this morning (June 22).

Police earlier confirmed an alleyway near Meteor Way had been closed as part of the police investigation and which could have impacted pedestrians in the area or those attending Essex County Cricket Club.

“We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and support today, as we understand that a number of people will have been impacted by the police cordon.

“People in Chelmsford will continue to see a heightened police presence throughout the weekend.

“High visibility patrols are planned, so please do not be alarmed if you see more officers than usual, as this is not in response to any ongoing threat to the wider public.

“I urge everyone to carry on their day to day business as usual.

“Please don’t hesitate to talk to an officer if you have any concerns, or think you have information which could help our enquiries.”

'They need to install cameras'

Forensics were seen 'circling a bin'

Some residents called for camera's to be installed following the incident, with one woman stating: "Especially being a girl on my own it’s not safe. If I go down there I always make sure I’m in a group otherwise I’ll take the long way round or take a cab.

"They need to install cameras down there and they also need to trim the hedges and trees to make it more open plan. I’ve been here eight years and it’s getting worse.”

Forensics at the scene of fatal stabbing in Chelmsford city centre (Image: Martine Xerri)

At Parkinson Drive, pools of blood were visible on the ground which shown the spot where the man is believed to have sustained his fatal injuries.

As well as several police cars and officers at the scene, forensics were also seen in this area.

The lighting is not good on the path

Police at the scene at Central Park

Local residents claimed the street had bad lighting with one anonymous witnesses telling us: “About a month ago I was walking down there with my other half.

“It looked like I was on my own and and there was a guy standing at the other end holding a plank of wood. As soon as he saw my partner he threw it away and ran off. The lighting down there is s***.”

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Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “That park is packed during the summer but about three weeks ago I saw a kid there - about 15 - out wearing just a balaclava. I just thought f****** hell it was during the daytime. I work in Moulsham Street which is just through there so I walk through all the time.

There was a heavy police presence

“They’ve only just started doing up that park as well and you never see any police around here. I’ve lived here for a year and I’ve never felt unsafe."

Another anonymous resident said: “I have lived here for about three years. Even in the daytime I don’t feel safe going down there. There’s lots of alleyways and lots of places to hide or for people to jump out.

Forensics 'circle around a bin'

Police also cordoned off a third area in Central Park on the path just beside Parkway as part of their murder investigation.

Photos from the scene show the pathway sealed off with a single police car guarding the cordon.

A cordon is in place at the scene where blood is on the ground (Image: Martine Xerri)

Forensics were also at the scene where a police officer said the cordon could remain in place until tomorrow (Saturday, June 23).

Our reporter at the scene saw forensics "circling around a bin."

Stop and search powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 were authorised for Chelmsford between 1.30am and 4am this morning as part of the immediate response to the incident.

These have been put in place again from 7.15pm this evening to 4am tomorrow, Saturday June 23.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 101, quoting reference 54 of 22/06.

Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.